Brad Rateike: I own a racehorse. Here’s what Diamond taught us.

My wife and I have two cats, Oscar and Emmy. They are adorable pets and family members, but it’s hard to imagine them doing anything applause-worthy. Being indoor cats, their accomplishment ceiling is understandably low.

While they’re our only full-time pets, we’ve also dabbled in fractional horse ownership. No, we don’t ride our horses—imagine a 6-foot, 4-inch jockey, especially one who is, well, not thin. In 2019, my wife and I became 5% owners in a racing syndicate that had a young filly named Diamond Solitaire. Gene McLean, a longtime friend and ardent horse racing advocate, convinced us it would be fun, and he was right.

Diamond’s life began tragically. Her mother died a few days after her birth, and during an agonizing trip to the vet, she accidentally kicked and broke baby Diamond’s leg. Diamond was bottle-fed and then raised by a “nurse mare.” Her story of overcoming the odds captivated us, especially on a sunny October afternoon at Keeneland after a couple of bourbons. (Credit to Gene for knowing a “mark” when he saw one.)

We fell in love with Diamond from the first photo of her at the farm, our first barn visit and her first race. When she won for the first time in her second race (as a 2-year-old) in 2020, we packed the Winner’s Circle. That photo remains my favorite COVID-era memory.

We never call horse ownership an “investment”; it implies returns, and while there were joys, there were also disappointments in some of the groups we have joined. Diamond was a delight. She retired after a successful career with 36 races over five years, winning the two biggest races of her career as a 6-year-old in her last year of racing. As a closer, she often started a race at the back of the pack, grinding throughout the race and making her move before the final turn. She won seven races, placed second or third in 12, and always gave her best, despite rarely being the most talented horse in
the field.

Owning even a small part of a racehorse is thrilling; there’s nothing like seeing your horse charge around the final turn. You don’t love the horse any less because you don’t “own” all of it. The partners you’re with make it even more fun, and our partners have been unbelievable. Diamond gave us five incredible years and endless memories.

I’m not trying to sell you on horse ownership, though I hope to stay involved and to support the Indiana racing program. This week, nostalgia hit when I realized Diamond wouldn’t be racing as the Horseshoe Indianapolis meet begins in Shelbyville. Instead, she’s embarking on her next adventure—becoming a mother. With luck, early next year, we’ll welcome a new family member—another horse that, like Diamond, might not be the fastest but will always make us proud.

To no one’s surprise, I have posted on social media about Diamond’s career, which has led more than one friend to ask me, “Seriously, why do you own a racehorse?” For the friends who have been able to join us at the track, especially those who have joined us in the Winner’s Circle, if you know, you know.

But for those who have not yet done so, I appreciate your indulging me in my tribute to a horse who brought us joy, gave us something to cheer for during a challenging time, and who always tried hard even when the odds were stacked against her. That is why I own a racehorse.•

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Rateike is founder and owner of BAR Communications and served as director of cabinet communications for President Donald Trump. Send comments to [email protected].

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